Brother!

Nin. (To Khosrove) Haste thee to thy office!
Vassin, attend him! Sumbat, be his chief!
We trust where trusts the queen!

Sem. (To Khosrove) Give up the keys
To Sumbat!

(Exeunt Khosrove, Vassin, Sumbat, left rear)

Nin. (To Artavan) You to death! (Signs to guards)

Sem. My royal lord,
First would I question him alone, and learn
The truth about this passage. He may be
In league with traitors subtler than himself.
One moment, sir, I pray.

Nin. O, ever wise!
Bribe him with any promise death may keep
To tell you all. But do not linger, love;
We lose our bridal day!

(Exit, right centre. Semiramis looks at Artavan with
the greatest tenderness. He gazes coldly upon her, Sola
clinging to him)

Art. What would the queen?

Sem. To be again thy sister. Dost not guess?
That man--

Art. Who can he be you prize above
Your honor and my life?

Sem. The son of him
Who set you free on Ninus' oath, an oath
Broke in the heart ere it had left the lips!

Art. My brave Semiramis! You've saved the prince,
And with his life my honor! O, pardon me!

Sem. He was escaping in your name when you
Arrived too soon--

Art. Forgive me that!

Sem. And now
To save my brother!

Art. Hope it not. Be glad
That one is safe. Had Khosrove lost his life
In Ninus' court, my oath had driven me back
To Husak--and to death. No power then
Had saved me. Now--

Sem. Now thou shalt live!

Art. Nay, see!
His guards watch well! There is no way.

Sem. No way
But through the will of Ninus. He shall save thee!

Art. O, for your own dear life, Semiramis,
Let Ninus know not I am Artavan!

Sem. He dare not touch me, for the army's mine!

(Goes into Ninus' chamber)

Sol. My love!

Art. 'Tis welcome and farewell, my S